Michigan Football head coach Sherrone Moore recently said he thinks one of the newest additions to the team can be one of the best defensive players not only on the team, but in the Big Ten Conference:
Michigan Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore recently sat down with The Michigan Insider ’s Sam Webb for an interview. There were several key takeaways about freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, the offensive line, Chip Lindsey, Wink Martindale and much more. But perhaps the most eyebrow-raising talk from Moore concerned transfer defensive back TJ Metcalf.
“That guy’s got a chance to be one of the best players on the defense, if not one of the best players in the Big Ten,” Moore said.
Michigan has found success in the secondary via the portal lately. Two years ago, it was Josh Wallace, who played a large role for the National Champions. Last year, it was Aamir Hall and Wesley Walker leading the charge.
Now, it appears it could be Metcalf’s turn.
After spending two years with the Arkansas Razorbacks, Metcalf and his younger brother, Tevis, are in Ann Arbor. TJ had a productive sophomore campaign, recording 57 tackles, one tackle for loss, three interceptions, seven pass deflections and a forced fumble.
According to Moore, Metcalf can operate at nickel or safety and plays the physical, downhill brand of football necessary to thrive in the Big Ten. That versatility — alongside stalwarts Rod Moore, Zeke Berry and Jyaire Hill — should make this a dangerous secondary for opposing quarterbacks to test.
This “Ravens-style” defense dominates with zone blitzes. Having a secondary littered with versatility makes life even more difficult for those quarterbacks who already have to deal with edge rushers Derrick Moore and TJ Guy.
As a Razorback, Metcalf spent plenty of time as a free safety in one-man high looks. While that might not be his sole job description at Michigan, he should prove valuable in a variety of situations and coverages.
But regardless of talent or roster fit, it can be difficult for a transfer to integrate themselves into a new locker room and culture. Metcalf took some time before coming out of his shell, and Moore knows how important that off-field communication will be this fall.
“He’s got leadership abilities that you didn’t see until the end of spring,” Moore said. “He’s trying to find his way, he didn’t want to say much.
“I kind of told him, like, ‘Hey, you know, you’re allowed to speak now. You’re allowed to tell guys if they’re doing something wrong.’”
That conversation could help unleash Metcalf’s full potential and confidence. He was seen as one of Arkansas’s most improved players as a sophomore, and he should continue that trajectory with the Wolverines.
Moore is building something in Ann Arbor, and part of the reason so many transfers have instant success is because of a strong culture that permits rapid personnel changes without losing its vision.
“He’s got some elite traits that you can’t coach, you can’t teach. But along with that, he’s extremely coachable,” Moore said.
When your head coach is willing to speak honestly about a player like that — especially one that just transferred into the program this offseason — it’s hard not to buy in.